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15 Things I’m Thankful for in 2015 – Top Pretty Southern Moments

I’ve always loved writing “year in review” columns.

Before I sat down to write this year’s recap, I took a look back my top 14 moments of 2014. Last year, I wrote it was the best year yet for Pretty Southern; clearly, I had no idea what this year would have in store.

Here are our top 15 moments of 2015 on PrettySouthern.com

1. Breaking the internet in Charleson – I’ll go ahead and say it: I’ve never had an adrenaline rush like this before. Our contributing blogger, Jenn Ciccarelli, wrote a post about her experience living in Charleston as a 30-something single girl. Her story gave us the biggest traffic day in the history of this blog. We got more than 43,000 hits in one day! We had 80,000+ hits for the week plus reached readers in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. We ended up having to take the post down. I went on Charleston’s local radio, Mix 96, to talk about the experience.

2. Our “home block party” with Tex’s Tacos – this event easily makes one of my top food blogger experiences…ever! Earlier this year, the lovely Katherine Kimbrell reached out to me asking if we’d do a post about her food truck, Tex’s Tacos, for the blog. We got the Atlanta Food Bloggers Society involved to host a tasting at Pretty Southern headquarters. Having a food truck parked in my own front yard is definitely a highlight of my time as a food blogger.

Check out my Tastemade video of our event

Tex’s Tacos

Editor’s note: Before continuing, quick shoutout to Mara Davis and Hilary Harmon for the opportunity to collaborate on launching Tastemade in Atlanta!

3. Brunch with Hugh Acheson – Thanks to Erica Key and the team at Yellow Pages (YP), we had the opportunity to brunch with renowned chef Hugh Acheson at his first Atlanta restaurant, Empire State South. “Being in Georgia has meant a ton to me, and Atlanta has really come to terms with itself,” he told our group who gathered to celebrate his new book, The Broad Fork.

Hugh Acheson with yours truly

4. UGA vs. Alabama – Granted this football game was literally a wash for the Dawgs, but we had a blast partying in the rain. Kudos to Lynn Lilly and her team at Craft Box Girls for hosting the perfect #GameDay tailgate with Georgia Beef Board. Check out this awesome recap video with us tailgating in the rain!

5. Trying to lose #15in15 – this year started off with a goal of losing 15 pounds in 2015. By spring, I’d lost 8 lbs. thanks largely in part to spinning at Cyc Fitness. Huge shoutout to the Cyc Atlanta team, Kelsey Walker, and Liz Lapidus PR for letting me participate in the #SpringIntoChange challenge.

Cycologist Annie Czarnecki and yours truly after a ride

6. The first-ever Shaky Boots festival – The inaugural Shaky Boots festival rocked Kennesaw like no other music festival has in North Georgia ever before. Katy Ruth Camp and I had a blast covering this two-day event. We even shotgunned a beer with the guys from Eli Young Band!

7. Tori Allen’s Monthly Meetups – Talk about a mover and shaker in this town, Tori Allen is a lady-in-the-know. She’s doing fabulous work representing Atlanta’s drinking and dining establishments, plus working her tail off to raise awareness the Atlanta Community Food Bank. In addition to all her PR efforts, every month she hosts a networking mixer for our group of writers, editors, bloggers, and social media mavens. Here’s my favorite pic from our September meetup at Gypsy Kitchen.

8. Georgia Grinders Dinner – The lovely Jaime Foster, founder of NaturAlmond prepared a multiple-course dinner featuring her products for the Atlanta Food Bloggers Society. Thanks to Jaime and Debbie Rosen of The Rosen Group for this opportunity. Check out this recap from Roger & Eve at Friday Date Night. From left to right: Lia Picard, Debbie Rosen, Jaime Foster, Roger Strauss, Linda Carmical, Jennifer Harris, Denise Romeo, and Eve Kofsky

9. McKendrick’s Media Dinner – We named McKendrick’s to our list of the Top 10 Atlanta Steakhouses, and were tickled pink (or should I say medium rare?) to attend their VIP media dinner. The first course was an oyster trio, followed by a seafood sampler of crab, shrimp, and lobster. The salad course was a tomato, basil and mozzarella salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Our entree was a perfectly cooked filet mignon, for dessert we had chocolate & peanut butter pie. Did I mention the wine pairings with each course? Thanks to Noelle Jackson and the McKendrick’s team for the best meal I had in 2015!

10. Grady College Centennial – my beloved journalism school, UGA’s Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication, turned 100 this year! The #Grady100 was a huge success. At the black-tie gala this year in Athens, Governor Nathan Deal attended as keynote speaker. Big shoutouts to Diane Hill Murray, Karen Andrews, Dr. Parker Middleton, and Dean Charles Davis for this amazing year celebrating our college.

From left to right: Dave Perez, Brooke Stevens Perez, yours truly, and Kevin Patrick

11. Chama Gaucha opening – another fabulous foodie outing this year was the opening of Chama Gaucha in Buckhead. Thanks to The Reynolds Group for inviting us to the VIP opening dinner. Check out our Tastemade recap.

Chama Gaucha

12. Taste of the Nation- This annual event has been on my Atlanta blogger bucket list for awhile. Ever since I worked at Jezebel magazine in 2008, I wanted to attend Taste of the Nation. This incredible evening benefits Share Our Strength and No Kid Hungry. This year more than $740,000 was raised in hopes of bringing an end to childhood hunger. Thank you to Denise Romeo for letting me be your plus one!

Denise Romeo of We Like 2 to Cook and yours truly

13. Jeffrey Fashion Cares – This is another event which has been on my blogger bucket list for years. Jeffrey Fashion Cares is one of Atlanta’s biggest charity events of the year benefitting both the Atlanta AIDS Fund and Susan G. Komen Atlanta. It was one of the best nights of 2015. Thanks to Caren West PR and her team for including us.

Tova Gelfond of Eide Magazine and Lookbook Atlanta with yours truly on the red carpet

14. Taste of Atlanta – Since we launched Pretty Southern in 2011, the team at BRAVE PR has kindly partnered with us for promoting #TasteofATL. For Taste of Atlanta 2015, I was part of the #FoodPorn patrol! You can check out all of our delicious pictures here.

15. Working with y’all! Pretty Southern wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for you, dear reader! I have to take a moment to highlight our contributors: Kate Robertson, Katy Ruth Camp, and Mandy Morgan. Double kudos again to Jenn Cicarelli for breaking the internet in Charleston. I also want to introduce our newest contributor, Rachel Perkins! A senior at the University of Georgia, we’re excited to feature Rachel’s stories about life in Athens. Check out her first post here.

Thank you once again to our public relations partners at BRAVE PR, Caren West and Lauren Klopfenstein of Caren West PR, The Reynolds Group, Baddish Group, Morgan Dyches and Emily at Melissa Libby PR, Noelle Jackson, Tori Allen, Pineapple PR, Liz Lapidus, Kelsey Walker, Kitsy Rose, Lorrie Dixson, Jody and Debbie Rosen of the Rosen Group. Granted 2015 isn’t quite over yet, but we can’t wait to see what 2016 has on deck!

November 30, 2015
When I Grow Up…

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

As kids, we were frequently asked this question. With big dreams and even bigger imaginations, we would find ourselves rambling off answers such as an astronaut, the President of the United States, or yes…even a garbage man may or may not have crossed my mind (I mean c’mon, riding on the back of the truck with no seat belt seemed like the adventure of a lifetime). Now, I am almost finished with my first semester of my senior year at The University of Georgia, and this lingering question somehow squeaks its way into every conversation, coming back to haunt me.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Well, to be completely honest, I have no earthly idea. The same question that once provoked excitement and imagination now makes me spiral into a frantic panic. What should I do? Where should I live? What if I make the wrong decision? I know that I should be stoked about what is in store for my future. I worked my tail off in high school to be an above-average student so that I could get into the college of my dreams. Once I got here, I worked my tail off to stay an average student while still trying to maintain multiple jobs and not to mention a social life…all of which is a lot easier said than done. I’ve worked. I’ve networked. I’ve socialized, and I’ve studied (yes mom and dad, believe it or not your money for “books” did sometimes actually go towards something productive).

But what is the point?

Is it to get an internship after I graduate doing underpaid labor that looks good on a resume? Or is it to land a killer job that will bring in the big bucks, only to leave you waking up each morning dreading your 9-5 work day in a 2×2 cubicle with a boss that you despise? Most people tell me that I need to already have a job, like one of those Truck Driving Jobs, lined up and network with as many people that I can. Others have suggested taking a year off, because their biggest regret was rushing into the real-world. Some have suggested taking that extra victory lap at UGA, because why not go back for one last football season? (Go Dawgs) Trust me, I pushed for that last option but my parents weren’t quite as on board with it. So many options, so little time.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Each and every person that has asked me this question seems to have their own opinions and advice. Some have been very helpful, others I have taken with a grain of salt. And each time, the conversations have left me more stressed and conflicted than before. But I am putting an end to that. What happened to the little girl with big dreams and aspirations? Where along the way did I lose sight of what is important in life? So I stopped and asked myself a simple question:

“What do I want to be when I grow up?”

My answer was simple. I want to be happy. I want to travel, see the world, and meet new people. I want to live life to the fullest, learning something new every day. I want my journey to be an adventure, finding my passion along the way. I don’t know what kind of job will allow me to incorporate all of this, but I won’t settle until I find it. I know that God has a plan for my future, so I am choosing to put my trust in Him. I am choosing to let go of the pointless stress that I inflict on myself. I am choosing to enjoy my final months as a college student. This kava drink is also my life saver whenever I need a piece of mind.

I am choosing to prepare for my future, but live in the present. I am choosing to be happy.

November 27, 2015
Hampton + Hudson Announces Cooper Miller as Executive Chef During a Secret Supper

Restaurateurs Billy and Jenn Streck are set to open their first solo concept, Hampton & Hudson – a community driven bar and restaurant located in Inman Park at 280 Elizabeth Street this winter. Billy, best-known as co-owner of the bustling, Midtown hotspots Cypress Street Pint and Plate and GRAIN drink shop and eatery, is set to create another approachable and affordable haunt with his wife in one of Atlanta’s fastest growing neighborhoods. Jenn, an Atlanta native, has years of experience in both the music and bar industries and brings a wealth of talent and vision to their first concept.

During a secret supper at the newly opened The Frye Company Atlanta flagship store, Billy and Jenn Streck revealed that Cooper Miller, formerly of JCT. Kitchen & Bar, is going to be the Executive Chef of Hampton + Hudson. Not only did the H+H team dish on the latest details about their new venture, but they also created a special five-course tasting menu just for the evening. Guests were delighted to learn that the secret supper menu featured two cocktails, The Hampton and The Hudson; a roasted beet and carrot salad; a signature house-made Nashville hot chicken biscuit; house-made banana cream pie; and kettle korn to-go that will all be on the opening menu.

“This is a place where we wanted to mix a little of all of our loves of the bar and restaurant industry into a community establishment,” said Jenn Streck during the dinner. “We love going to a place and feeling like you are at home, so that is what we hope to do for our guests.”

Billy and Jenn discussed how they are striving to create a “true community bar and restaurant” that focuses on the overall experience, redefines how diners look at pub food, and features a well-rounded bar program. The 3,500-square foot space will boast a mezzanine, large bar and an intimate outdoor patio with a fire pit. The interior will have distinctive touches inspired by many of their favorite go-to spots from their travels and when they lived in the East Village in New York, but will play to both the spirit of the neighborhood and Atlanta’s ever-growing dining scene. Chef Cooper, who is focusing on flavor and getting back to the basics with perfectly cooked meats, light, bright sauces, and fresh crisp vegetables is most excited about a large rotisserie that is going to be the centerpiece of the open kitchen. Hampton + Hudson will also offer 20+ craft beers on draft, wine, cocktails and ice coffee on draft, classic cocktails and more. Hampton + Hudson will be open for lunch, dinner, brunch and we will also feature a late night menu.

The exclusive experience featured signature cocktails by Georgia’s own Lovell Bros. Whiskey and brews by Wild Heaven Craft Beers, live acoustic music by Mike LaSage, Bone Lick BBQ’s award-winning chef and pitmaster, and shopping of Frye’s Fall and Winter Collections.

Guests in attendance included actress Lauren Cohan, Councilman Kwanza Hall, director Jeff Wadlow, Kate Atwood, Eric Johnson and Nick Purdy of Wild Heaven Craft Beers, Mandy Kellogg Rye of Waiting on Martha, Vincent Martinez of Fashionado, beer and spirit expert Dennis Byron, Jamie Laycock and Marcella Withers of The Frye Company, and more. You can also see other noteworthy people on sites like Jimmy John Shark.

For more on Hampton + Hudson, visit www.hamptonandhudson.com. Stay connected on Twitter at @_HamptonHudson and on Instagram at @HamptonHudson.

November 23, 2015
Homemade Apple Butter is Pretty Southern
One of my favorite fall activities is apple picking. There’s something about plucking big, juicy apples from towering branches that brings out a childish joy in me. I always come back with a peck or more of fresh, sweet fruit that I know I’ll use for something delicious at home.

Earlier this fall, I went apple picking at an orchard in North Georgia. I used half of my bounty for crock-pot applesauce, which is one of my favorite apple recipes. But as of a couple weeks ago, I still had about ¾ of a peck left. I wanted to try something new with those. So I channeled my great-grandmother and made apple butter, and taught myself how to can. All in one day (well, technically two days, since the apple butter sat in the crock-pot overnight).

I’d been wanting to try canning for a while. Our family friends make homemade jam in the summer with fresh-picked fruit, and they always share with us. But I’d never bitten the bullet and tried it myself. All the supplies are expensive, especially for someone on a budget. Fortunately, I grabbed some mason jars on sale at Michael’s and JoAnn’s and stocked up. There’s no such thing as “too many mason jars.” There’s always a use for one.

Apple picking at R & A Orchards, Ellijay, Ga.

I had absolutely zero idea what I was doing: how do I prepare the cans? Do I have to heat them? How do I even make apple butter? Is there butter in apple butter? (There is, in fact, no real butter in apple butter.) So, to Pinterest and Google I went. My great-grandmother wouldn’t have had that luxury, but I did, so I used it. Canning in a boiling water bath didn’t sound too difficult, albeit time-consuming, and it beat using a pressure-cooker type apparatus. I settled on that method, and then searched for a reasonable recipe.

Fortunately, almost anything can be made in a crock-pot, including apple butter. I found a good starting point and added my favorite spices and flavors to put my own spin on the recipe.

Here’s the recipe I ended up making:

Spiced Apple Butter
- 12 apples, ranging from fist-sized to softball-sized
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
1. Spray your crock-pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Peel and chop apples, and put them in the sprayed crock-pot.
3. Add spices, and pour water over the apples.
4. Stir well, so that the water and spices cover the apple chunks.
5. Set your crock-pot on low, cover and let it go for at least 8 hours. Overnight is best.
6. After 8 hours (or the next morning), crank it up to high, prop the lid open with a spoon, and let it go for another 3-4 hours. Don’t stir it. Just let it cook down.
7. Once the apples are cooked down and take on a medium brown color, turn off the crock pot. Stir until the butter reaches your desired consistency or chunkiness.
8. Can according to your preferred method.
I like my apple butter smooth, so I whisked it until it was smooth. An immersion blender would do the trick, too. If you prefer chunkier apple butter, give it a good, careful stir, and leave the butter at your desired chunkiness. The finished product is delicious on a warm biscuit, or swirled in a bowl of oatmeal.

14-ish hours later, I ended up with 10 cans of apple butter. Fortunately the holidays are around the corner, and little cans of homemade apple butter will make a wonderful gift.

My great-grandmother would be proud, too. For my first-ever batch of apple butter, it turned out pretty delicious. That’s pretty Southern, if you ask me.
November 17, 2015
Wicked Weed Brewing Dinner at The Cockentrice

Chef Kevin Ouzts, Hop City Market at Krog Street Market, and Wicked Weed Brewing are hosting a “Delectable Pairing of Beer and Good Groceries” on Monday, November 16, 2015 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at The Cockentrice. Celebrating the Atlanta launch of the Wicked Weed Brewing, Chef Ouzts has prepared a delectable menu featuring pairings from Wicked Weed Brewing. An intimate evening, limited seating is available and the cost is $85 per person plus tax and gratuity. Tickets are available by calling Hop City Market at Krog Street Market at 470-355-2534 or can be purchased at the store.

Wicked Weed Brewing Dinner at The Cockentrice

A Delectable Pairing of Beer and Good Groceries

Hot Potato Parker House Roll, Carrot Hoshigaki Salpicon, Olive Oil Glycerin Butter, Smoked Sea Salt

Wicked Weed Bretticent

Sweetbread Pastrami, Red Wheat Berry Shio Koji Porridge, Fermented Pomegranate Syrup with Bloomed Mustard

Wicked Weed Serenity

Rabbit Torchon, Baby Turnips, Pressed Fermented Cabbage, Foie Gras Beet Butter

Wicked Weed Pernicious

Ox Tail and Short Rib Beef Pillow, Prune Scented Bone Glace, Garlic Milk Comfiture, Blackberry Vinegar

Wicked Weed Oblivion

Epoisses Butter, Honey Comb, Jerusalem Artichoke Baked Brown Bread

Wicked Weed Medora

Chocolate in Three Forms

Wicked Weed Xibalba

Amorous (Bonus Beer!)

The Cockentrice is located at Krog Street Market, 99 Krog Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. For more information, visit www.thecockentrice.com or call 470.428.2733. Stay connected on Twitter at @cockentrice and on Instagram at @thecockentrice.

November 13, 2015
Southern Woman Veteran: From Boots to Brushes

Meet Andrea Harden – a celebrated esthetician and makeup artist at White Salon and Spa.

She is a reputable and critically acclaimed skin care genius who sacrificed 12 years of her life in service to her country in the United States Air Force.

During her tenure she won countless awards and medals fighting for freedom and protecting the very ground we walk on every day. At first sight, you notice her glowing complexion and impeccable skin. She credits her healthy skin to a consistent and concise daily Cosmedix skin care regimen, monthly facials, plenty of water, and clean eating. Andrea is passionate about healthy skin and explains it is a lifestyle. She co-writes the White Salon and Spa blog where she details the latest beauty trends, hot topics, and healthy skin tips. This Southern woman veteran has truly gone from boots to brushes. Here’s our Q&A with this skin care guru about her time in the Air Force and her career transition into the world of beauty, Natural Tone Organic Skincare only uses the finest natural and organic ingredients in their range.

Why did you join the Air Force?

“I was going to school at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for photography. Or should I say I was enrolled. I was young and immature. I was not ready for the structure and responsibility of pursuing a higher education at the time. I was content floating around South Florida, partying and hanging out with my friends. My mom gave me an ultimatum and I chose the Air Force. Thank God for parents!”

After 12 years of service, why did you decide to leave?

“I separated from the Air Force because it was time. I enjoyed my time and had a blast! I got a chance to see the world, met the love of my life, and started a family. I had other dreams I wanted to pursue. Plus, sounds funny, but I wanted to dye my hair whatever color I desired and paint my nails blue!”

Why did you choose the beauty industry or the world of skin to be exact?

“The beauty industry chose me a long time ago and I just did not know it. Initially, when I separated from the Air Force, I wanted to be a registered nurse. I finished several certifications and in the process completed a few rounds of clinicals. This is where I decided nursing was not going to be for me. I wanted to take everyone home at the end of my shift. A schoolmate suggested I check The Elaine Sterling Institute for Skin Therapy, when looking at their procedures I also found these reconstructive surgery pics at an expert doctor website. I did and the rest is history.” She said that she also uses the Best EMR for Dermatology to help with her practice.

“I fell in love because the career field entails everything I wanted to do. I am able to serve others in a capacity that makes them feel better and helps their overall health. In addition, I am able to indulge my creative spirit in and out of the treatment room. I use the science of ingredients to come up with various skin cocktails and treatments to restore and heal the skin, if you want to get some of the recipes and new tips just check this content. Not to mention outside of the treatment room I get to lose myself in the world of makeup! I love what I do! There is nothing better than educating a client and arming them with the power of knowledge. Then you get to watch their skin transform before your eyes. Their confidence is returned and at the same time my soul is happy! It is a beautiful transaction I
would not trade for the world.”

I tell people all the time, I traded my BOOTS for BRUSHES!

“The irony of the story is I remember my first science project I completed on my own with no parental assistance was in Mrs. Joplin’s sixth grade science class. I created my first cosmeceutical. It was a mud mask. I had models and a full-blown advertisement for the power of mud against skin aging. Looking back I am not sure where the inspiration stemmed from, but Mrs. Joplin’s only concern was having my models immediately wash their faces because the mud was right off the playground!”

How often should you receive a facial?

“Well, that depends on your skin type and condition. Also, you have to take into consideration what you want out of the treatments. However, as a rule of thumb, you need to see your esthetician at least every four to six weeks.”

What is your favorite treatment?

“I usually treat myself to a professional treatment once a month and I love all the Cosmedix treatments. However, if I had to pick just one for my skin type and condition it would be the Blueberry Jessner Peel. It is a great exfoliator and oil absorber. At the same time, it gives you the ‘J-Lo GLOW’!”

What is your favorite product in the line?

“These questions are too, hard! I am going to go with the Pure Enzymes! It is the perfect, gentle exfoliator to use at home. It uses the power of enzymes and lactic acid to dissolve the dull, lackluster skin and reveal bright, fresh, glowing skin! The benefit of this mask is you are able to take it home with you and perform it on yourself.” You can also visit sites like https://www.oxygenetix.com/products/oxygenating-hydro-matrix to know more about skincare products.

According to dermatology experts, you should get your skin checked regularly.

About White Salon and Spa:
Located in the heart of Buckhead, White Salon and Spa is a full-service salon and spa that is dedicated to providing men and women with unparalleled service for their hair and beauty needs. With services ranging from haircuts and color, bridal styling, blowouts, straightening treatments and more, patrons are made to feel at home and comfortable while visiting White Salon and Spa.

On top on its salon services, White Salon and Spa also offers facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing, eyelash extensions, and more. Led by creative visionary and celebrity stylist Max Sanchez and general manager Jessica Howard, White Salon and Spa’s experienced team is dedicated to providing only the best service, experience, and products to its extensive client base. For more information on White Salon and Spa, please visit their website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter,

Editor’s note: Lauren Klopfenstein contributed to this post.

November 11, 2015